A funeral has been held for a nine-year-old girl who was stabbed in the street in Boston, Lincolnshire.

Lilia Valutyte’s white coffin, which was decorated with colourful butterflies, was taken to St Botolph’s church in the town by a horse-drawn carriage.

Her family and friends followed as mourners carried bouquets of flowers into the church.

Pallbearers wore bright pink ties which matched the pink feathers on the heads of the white horses.

Lilia was found with a stab wound to the chest around 6.20pm on Thursday 28 July.

The former pupil at Boston Pioneers Academy and Carlton Road Academy was confirmed dead at the Boston Pilgrim Hospital after the incident.

Deividas Skebas was remanded into custody at Lincoln Crown Court on 1 August and charged with her murder.

Man accused of murdering nine-year-old Lilia Valutyte appears in court

Man, 22, arrested on suspicion of murdering nine-year-old girl Lillia Valutyte

Lincolnshire stabbing: Police release images of new suspect over killing of nine-year-old Lilia Valutyte

He is yet to enter a plea.

Reverend Jane Robertson told the congregation of around 100 mourners she had met a number of people who had expressed sadness over Lilia’s death.

“We have come here today to remember Lilia,” she said.

“We have come to give thanks for her life – her life that was taken so suddenly from her.

“I have met many, many people who have come into this place to express… how they feel about the tragic death of Lilia.”

The Rev Robertson said people had spoken of how they felt “powerless to help her family”.

She added: “Let’s transform lives because of what we feel today.”

The Rev Robertson told the congregation that the feeling of anger was “real and valid”, adding: “I can see there is such sadness and grief.”

Concluding the service, she told mourners: “We will be changed forever because of that child.

“Lilia, we are glad you were here.

“You have changed our lives – rest in peace, little one.”

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